He was going to ask the civic leader why he was still clinging to his job as a conflict of interest ruling threatens to cut short his term? Why not just step aside for the good of the city?

At least that’s what the former Occupy Toronto leader thought he was going to do. When he actually stood in front of the mayor he couldn’t. Words failed him, he said.

Instead, he offered a sympathetic word of support to the troubled politician, shook his hand and posed for a picture.

“He has a tough job,” he admitted. “He’s attacked from every possible corner. I just asked myself if I would do any better?”

Erb was one of several hundred Torontonians who lined up to meet the mayor and some city councillors at a traditional New Year’s Day levee. He and a small group of former Occupy supporters stood in line but none caused a scene.

“He’s probably the most vilified mayor in Toronto’s history,” said Erb. “He’s been vilified to the point of comedy.”

Ford supporter “Mr. Canada” Toros Djerdjeian came decked out in his red and white maple leaf suit and top hat to meet the mayor. He had Ford sign the sleeve of his jacket.

As for the controversy that had dogged the mayor in 2012, it didn’t matter to Djerdjeian, who said everyone makes mistakes.

“I don’t like to comment on that,” he said. “I’m just proud of him.”

The mayor also wasn’t eager to comment on his difficulties, making good on a vow issue not to talk to media at the levee. It was a break from past levees where the mayor usually lays out a vision for the year ahead.

But Councillor Doug Ford said he wasn’t sure how his brother would fair in his conflict of interest appeal which is slated to be heard on Jan. 7. But if the mayor is removed from office, he’d like to see council re-appoint him instead of holding a costly byelection.

“You want to save the $7-million,” he said. “Worse comes to worse, you go to the people — let the people decide.”